Chelsea ease past Fulham to cement EPL fourth place, Inter inch closer to Serie A title

CHELSEA met little resistance on Saturday from Fulham as the Blues cruised to a 2-0 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge.

Kai Havertz scored both goals for Thomas Tuchel’s side as they stayed in fourth place and extended their lead over fifth-placed West Ham to six points.

Germany forward Havertz opened the scoring in the 10th minute after tapping into the net from Mason Mount’s assist.

Chelsea could not add to their solitary goal in the first half, as they missed some chances, the biggest one falling to Timo Werner.

The Blues got their second goal just four minutes into the second half, Havertz finishing off Werner’s pass.

Fulham, who had four Nigerian players in their starting line-up — Tosin Adarabioyo, Ola Aina, Josh Maja and Ademola Lookman — and brought on a fifth as a substitute (Joshua Onomah), are almost certain of going back down to the Championship.

They currently occupy the 18th spot, one of three teams facing relegation, with 27 points from 34 games, nine points off 17th-placed Newcastle who have a game in hand.

In Italy, Inter Milan defeated Simeon ‘Simy’ Nwankwo’s Crotone to all but seal their first Serie A title in 11 years.

Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi scored second-half goals to extend Antonio Conte’s side’s lead at the top to 14 points.

Inter Milan will be declared champions on Sunday if second-placed Atalanta fail to beat Sassuolo.

They will become the team to end Juventus’ streak of nine straight Serie A titles.